4. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Policy H-3:

Protect and improve the natural environment in the Highlands Neighborhood.

The environmental policies for the Highlands Neighborhood strive to protect and enhance the quality of the natural environment as a natural amenity, to avoid potential environmental hazards, and to utilize sustainable management practices. The map figures H-1 through H-2b below show the critical areas within the Highlands Neighborhood. See the Natural Environment Element Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan for more information and policies about protection of wetlands, streams and associated buffers as well as landslide and seismic hazard areas, trees and wildlife. The Kirkland Zoning Code regulates tree retention, tree removal and development in critical areas.

Forbes Creek Habitat Improvement

Policy H-4:

Undertake measures identified in the Surface Water Master Plan to protect stream buffers and the ecological functions of streams, lakes, wetlands, and wildlife corridors and promote fish passage.

The neighborhood is located within both the Moss Bay and Forbes Creek drainage basins (Figure H-1). Various small wetland areas and Moss Bay tributaries are located within the western portion of the neighborhood, and the main stem of Forbes Creek passes through the north end of Highlands. Together, these critical areas constitute a valuable natural drainage system that serves the drainage, water quality, wildlife and fish habitat, and open space needs of the neighborhood.

Cutthroat trout use all of the Forbes Creek stream sections downstream of Interstate 405. The main tributary of Forbes Creek crosses beneath the freeway in a culvert from the North Rose Hill Neighborhood to Highlands. Within Highlands, downstream from the freeway in the wooded ravine, Forbes Creek is described as a hidden gem. Though the streambed is impacted by occasional high volume stormwater flows that it is forced to carry, the ravine section is vegetated with a fairly mature mixed forest and represents an unexpected, secluded, and little-known quality native habitat surrounded by the intensive human land uses of freeway, industry (to the north) and residential housing.

It should be a priority of the City and neighborhood volunteers to initiate and support efforts to enhance the biological integrity of these basins, such as promoting maintenance and restorative planting of native vegetation within buffers and providing continuous fish passage from Lake Washington to Forbes Lake and vicinity.

Policy H-5:

Opportunities to improve the function and quality of wetland and stream segments adjacent to the Cross Kirkland Corridor within the Highlands Neighborhood should be evaluated and considered during implementation of the Cross Kirkland Master Plan.

The water quality and quantity characteristics in the Peter Kirk Elementary stream tributary of the Moss Bay Basin near the school appear to be decent although analysis has not been conducted. The quality of water in this stream contributes to the quality of water in Lake Washington. The feasibility of relocating the stream out of the Cross Kirkland Corridor ditches upstream of the school and moving it farther away from the railroad into a more natural channel with native vegetation and reintroduction of cutthroat trout into the stream are opportunities worth investigating.

Policy H-6:

Develop viewpoints and interpretive information where appropriate on property around streams and wetlands if protection of the natural features can be reasonably ensured.

Providing education about the locations, functions, and needs of critical areas will help protect these features from the negative impacts of development and could increase public appreciation and stewardship of these areas. When appropriate, the placement of interpretive information and viewpoints will be determined at time of development on private property or through public efforts on City-owned land.

Policy H-7:

Protect exceptional trees and groves of trees.

In the Highlands Neighborhood, protecting, enhancing, and retaining healthy trees and vegetation are key values and contribute to the quality of life. The City promotes retention of the Citywide tree canopy, significant trees, and groves of trees on private property consistent with zoning regulations. While a municipal exceptional tree program is not currently in place, the neighborhood supports voluntary efforts to encourage preservation of exceptional trees. Exceptional trees are set apart from other trees by specific criteria such as outstanding age, size, and unique species, being one of a kind or very rare, an association with or contribution to a historical structure or district, or association with a noted person or historical event.

Figure H-1: Highlands Wetlands, Streams, and Lakes

Figure H-2a: Highlands Landslide Susceptibility

Figure H-2b: Highlands Liquefaction Potential

Policy H-8:

Encourage the preservation and proper management of trees adjoining I-405 and the Cross Kirkland Corridor (CKC).

These trees provide a buffer for neighboring development from the freeway and CKC impacts.

Trees provide visual relief and promote the natural setting integral to neighborhood identity.

Geologically Hazardous Areas

As shown in Figures H-2a and H-2b, the Highlands Neighborhood contains areas with steep slopes including potential erosion and landslide hazards, and soils with liquefaction potential during seismic events. These steep slope areas are prone to landslides, which may be triggered by grading operations, land clearing, irrigation, or the load characteristics of buildings on hillsides. Development on geologically hazardous areas is governed by Zoning Code regulations.

Policy H-9:

Encourage clustered development on slopes susceptible to landslide or erosion hazards.

Clustering development is encouraged on properties constrained by landslide or erosion hazard areas identified in Figure H-2a in order to retain the natural topography and existing vegetation and to avoid damage to life and property. One way to accomplish clustering is through a Planned Unit Development, where retaining open space and the existing vegetation is a public benefit. On properties similarly constrained at the north end of Highlands, development was clustered to preserve the natural vegetation and minimize land surface modification.

Policy H-10:

Protect wildlife throughout the neighborhood by encouraging creation of backyard sanctuaries for wildlife habitat in upland areas.

People in Highlands have opportunities to attract wildlife and improve habitat on private property by providing food, water, shelter, and space for wildlife. The City, the State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and other organizations and agencies experienced in wildlife habitat restoration can provide assistance and help organize volunteer projects.